Holiday Favorites & Minted Giveaway

Now that Halloween is behind us, it's finally acceptable to start thinking about the holidays, which will be here before you know it. I've put together a little collage of some of my favorite home and family holiday items, from stockings to jammies and wrapping paper to ornaments. Plus, stick around until the end to win one of two $125 gift certificates to Minted to order you own holiday cards, photo gifts or art. 

1:: Merry & Bright Christmas Stockings - I love these bright colorful stockings from Pottery Barn Kids. They're so fun and happy without being overly juvenile or cheesy. That white one with the pom pom trim! LOVE. 

2:: Mixed Plaid Plates - How awesome are these mixed plaid salad plates? I love that you could use them on their own, or paired with a solid colored plate as an accent on your table. These plates make me want to throw a dinner party. 

3:: Naughty or Nice Stemless Wine Glass - I totally need a set of these wine glasses in my life...and fill them all the way up to the naughty line!

4:: Most Wonderful Time Painted Art - Right now Minted has some of the prettiest simple art prints for the holidays. I adore this "Wonderful" print from one of my favorite songs (it reminds me of my mom...she says this line all the time). I also really love this reindeer names print with the gold foil print.

5:: Glad Tidings Ornaments - Land of Nod has some ridiculously fun holiday decorations and ornaments this year. I'm in love with these colorful round Merry, Joy and Fa La La ornaments. They also have these adorable woodland animals ornaments and these colorful classic rainbow ornaments. These make me want to throw out my current green/brown/gold ornaments and do a fun, bright colorful one! 

6:: Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark - This stuff is a staple in our house around the holidays. I've tried making my own peppermint bark for years, but I can never quite recreate this classic iconic taste. They have this product nailed. It's also one of my favorite gifts to give because everyone loves it! If you want to get crazy this year, try the peppermint bark cookies, brownies or pretzels! 

7:: Minted Holiday Cards - One of my absolute favorite things about the holidays is exchanging holiday cards with friends and family. I tend to go all out with our cards and totally obsess over them for DAYS. I have fallen in love with Minted cards because the selection is awesome and the quality is outstanding - they're thick and sturdy and the print/color quality is amazing. I love clean, simple, classic cards and it takes me forever to narrow down my favorites because there are so many good ones. I also love all the little "extras" that Minted offers, like lined envelopes, coordinating return address labels and the option to put extra photos and text of the back of the card. Plus, they're also offering FREE recipient envelope addressing! That's going to save me so much time! As soon as I get our family photos back from our photographer, I can't wait to lock myself in my home office with a bottle of wine and pick our card. A few of my favorites right now are this letterpress Festive Foilage, Merrier Than Ever, Christmas Sparkles, Laurel of Pines, Funky Quartet and Sure is Bright. 

8:: Holiday Wrapping Paper - I love wrapping all the gifts we give in coordinating wrapping paper. The last couple years I've been guilty of picking through the crappy leftover wrapping paper tubes at Target and praying to find a couple rolls that aren't horrible tacky and look somewhat good together. Plus, Santa tends to wrap each kids' presents all in one color or style of paper, so thinking ahead is key. This year I'm going to order a couple of these 4-pack jumbo sets of wrapping paper so I won't be stuck with leftovers. 

9:: Personalized Ornament - If you like getting each kid a personalized ornament each year, I'm loving these adorable personalized animal ornaments from Land of Nod. Mac needs that penguin ornament and Mimmy needs the kitty. 

10:: Holiday Helper Advent Calendar - I adore this advent calendar. The one we have (this one) is nice, but the pockets aren't really big enough for treats or toys. This advent calendar from Land of Nod is so cute, colorful and fun! Plus, you can buy it fully stocked with a toy for each day! (or you could just by the 25 toys, if you want to stuff your own)

11:: Santa's Message Milk & Cookies - How cute is this set of dishes for leaving milk/cookies for Santa and treats for the reindeer? Plus, there bottom of the plate is chalkboard so Santa can leave a message for your kids after eating the cookies. My kids would flip! This would also make a really cute family gift for friends or neighbors with kids. 

12:: Holiday Lights Garland - What's not to love about this fun garland that will add a bright pop of color to your mantle, doorway or wall. Heck, you could even put it on your tree! 

13:: Hanna Andersson All Is Bright Jammies - There's basically nothing I love more than my children in matching jammies. It's a crazy obsession for me that runs deep and we take advantage of weekly. We don't even need a special occasion to match! And while Kickee Pants jammies will always and forever be my absolute favorite jammies, I really do love these bright, colorful and festive holiday jams for the ENTIRE FAMILY from Hanna. We have quite a few HA jams and they're excellent quality. 

14:: Cocktails Pillow - This pillow is speaking my love language. Enough said. 

15:: Believe Garland - I love this classic, simple pennant garland with the word BELIEVE. It's like the Polar Express reminding me to keep the faith. This needs to be on my mantle this year. 

Minted Giveaway!

And because I love you all so much and want you to have the same (intoxicating) experience picking out the most amazing holiday cards ever, I'm giving away TWO gift certificates to Minted for $125 each! All you have to do is go HERE (or click on the photo below) and enter your email address to enter! Open to U.S. residents only. 

And if you just can't wait - use the code CHEER to get 15% off all Minted holiday cards now through November 7th. 

*Special thanks to Minted for inspiring this post and sponsoring the giveaway. 

Back-To-School Basics

Well, it's that time of year again...back-to-school! My social media feeds are filled with the smiling faces of backpack-laden kids and tots getting ready for their first day of school. Moms across the country are simultaneously shedding tears and popping champagne! (or is that just me?) I love summer, but I'm not going to lie...these last few weeks have been incredibly hard. Mac has been a holy terror (even more so than usual) - he's been pushing the boundaries, back talking and harassing Mim like it's his full-time job. He's become a pro at pushing my buttons and seeing just how far he can go before he lands himself in time out (for the 600th time that day). His camps are over and these last couple weeks of unstructured days have taken their toll on him (and us). He needs to get back on a set schedule, back in the classroom and back around kids his own age. (Mim needs a break). We are ready! 

That being said, we still have three more weeks before school starts for us. In the meantime, I've been stocking up on all the essentials for him to have at school and at home and looking for the perfect gifts to give his teachers to butter them up (or just profusely apologize) for him. There are so many adorable items for kids, teachers and classrooms these days. Here are a few of my favorites.

Wildkin Dinomite Lunch Box - Mac had to take a lunch to swim camp over the summer, so I got him this adorable dinosaur lunch box from Wildkin. They have all kinds of cute colorful prints for boys and girls with coordinating backpacks. They're insulated, roomy (but not huge) and easy for little ones to get into. 

North Face Mossbud Swirl Jacket (girls) - I'm obsessed with this gorgeous reversible jacket for girls. It's a pretty ice green water-resistant puffy coat on one side or a soft grey fleece on the other. If I can find this in adult, Mim and I may be sporting these matching jackets this winter. 

Super States of America Map Print - I love this colorful print of the U.S.A. from Minted. This would look great hanging in your child's playroom or homework station. Or it would make an awesome teacher's gift for the classroom. 

French Bull Plaid Backpack - There are so many great backpack options for kids right now. Everything from trendy and fun to superhero or character. I'm a big fan of simple and colorful, so I love this plaid backpack from French Bull. It's small enough for a preschooler to carry, but will also work for kids up to age 10.

Work Hard & Be Nice Print - I love this simple print from Minted. This would make a great teacher's gift or serve as a nice little reminder in an office or playroom. 

North Face Glacier Zip Hoodie (boys) - North Face makes the best kid's fleece jackets and this one is really cute for toddler boy. I love the hood and the soft fleece inside. Fully reversible and machine washable (a must for kids that are as messy as mine).

KicKee Pants Pajamas - It's super important right now to make sure your kids are getting enough sleep so that they can concentrate in school. KicKee Pants are above and beyond our favorite brand of kids pajamas. KicKee is made from bamboo and is the absolute softest material. It comes in a million different prints, patterns and colors, and a variety of styles (2-piece, footies, coveralls, etc.) My two spend half their lives in KicKee and they refuse to wear anything else to bed. 

Favorite Colors Clothing Labels - If your kids are anything like mine, they shed layers of clothes throughout the day and don't give a second thought to where their stuff ends up. I love these clothing labels from Minted that attach to the clothing tag and are machine washable. Hopefully this will help cut down on missing items of clothing over the school year. 

Macarons Personalized Notebook - Older kids (and parents and teachers) are going to love these personalized notebooks from Minted. Choose from a million designs and colors to reflect your kid's personality and/or hobbies. Perfect for keeping track of homework assignments or schedules. 

Onaroo Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock - Teaching Mac how to tell time has been on my list of things to work with him on this year, which is why I'm super excited about this clock. The clock gives the time in digital numbers as well as a traditional clock face. Plus, it has a night light and talks to tell your little one what time it is. 

Flyball Custom Name Labels - How adorable are these personalized baseball name stickers? These would be perfect for school supplies, lunch boxes, water bottles, sports equipment and toys. They're dishwasher, laundry and microwave-safe. 

Seeds of Knowledge Wall Art - This apple print from Minted would be such a cute gift for a teacher or perfect for your kid's homework station. There's also a similar one in gold, if you want to get fancy.

Educational Insights Talking Globe - Our local library has a globe like this one and my kids are obsessed with it. This talking globe asks over 10,000 geography-related questions and gives you hints for those you may not know. Perfect for kids learning about the world and interested in maps. 

Olive Kids Paisley Pencil Case - Carry your pens and pencils in style. I love this pink paisley case from Olive Kids. It's the perfect size for a desk or backpack. 

Nike Tennis Shoes - My kids both love their Nike kicks. These adorable sturdy and colorful shoes have velcro up top, which make them easy for little kids to put on by themselves. They come in a variety of colors, styles and widths. 

What are your favorite back-to-school products?

* Thanks to Minted for inspiring and sponsoring this post. Contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed regarding products and excitement for new school supplies belong to me!

* FYI - if you order any stationery products from Minted this summer, they will come packaged in a uniquely themed box that unfolds into a fun cut-out costume! Post a creative photo of you or your little one modeling and upload it to the #MintedBox project site for a chance to win a gift certificate. 

Summer Scoop Giveaway

You guys!! I have a very special surprise for you today - summer is almost here and I'm absolutely thrilled to be working with Project Nursery, Savvy Sassy Moms and some amazing bloggers to bring you this absolutely INCREDIBLE giveaway of some of the coolest gear, gadgets and gizmos around (over $2300 in prizes!!). Whether you're expecting or already have a baby, toddler or kid (or maybe all of the above), you're going to flip over these awesome prizes, which are all perfect for getting you and the kids ready for summer. I'm talking about an amazing new baby carrier, a travel system, a sun tent, a gorgeous diaper bag, an iPhone, a stroller that folds up to the size of a handbag and more! I've included all the details below, photos of the prizes, plus a link to the giveaway. Best of luck - I hope you win!!

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest all summer long for previews, pics, reviews and information on these brands and prizes. We'll be using the #SummerScoop4Moms hashtag if you want to follow along!

BABYBJӦRN Baby Carrier One Outdoors

Introducing the newest baby carrier from BABYBJÖRN. Designed to help you share an active, open-air lifestyle with your child, the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier One Outdoors ($260) is the ultimate ergonomic choice for active families. The Outdoors Carrier features a sporty design, high-quality materials and functional details, while offering all of the best features of the Baby Carrier One. The carrier has an extra-sturdy waist belt for added weight distribution and pressure relief, padded form-fitting shoulder straps to help you comfortably and safely carry a growing child from newborn up to the age of three years, and four ergonomic front and back carrying positions. Perfect for parents who want optimal comfort and functionality while they are exploring the magic of the outdoors with their children, the Baby Carrier One Outdoors is made of breathable and water-repellent materials and includes a waist belt pocket and loops on the shoulder straps for easy access to keys, credit cards, baby accessories and more. Baby Carrier One Outdoors also comes with a practical storage bag that protects the carrier when it is not in use.

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Babymoov Anti-UV Tent

Babymoov’s Anti-­UV Tent ($40) takes the hassle out of Baby’s beach trips by protecting Baby from the elements and blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Ventilated mesh will keep Baby shielded from the sand and wind, while still providing comfortable airflow on hot days, and a built-­in mosquito net keeps the pesky bugs at bay. Tie back the tent’s mesh entrance or secure it shut when the wind starts to pick up. The tent’s large capacity gives Baby ample room to play, while still being light­weight for parents. A pop-­up system and transport bag allow for set­up in as little as three seconds, with four tent poles to anchor it securely to the ground.

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Cybex Agis M-Air3/Aton 2 Travel System

The CYBEX Agis M-Air3 Stroller & Aton 2 Infant Car Seat Travel System ($600) allows parents to have an all-in-one, on-the-go system to allow them to explore with their little one. At Cybex, safety comes first and it shows in the features of their Aton 2 Infant Car Seat. Made for children 4-35 pounds and up to 30-inches tall, this car seat has innovative Linear Side-Impact Protection, while still being one of the lightest car seats on the market, weighing in at just under 9 pounds. The accompanying stroller fits children up to 55 pounds and is the perfect way to get around the city with your Aton 2 Infant Car Seat. Moms will love that you only need one hand to operate its key features — it only takes one hand to fold it into a standing position or recline the seat for Baby.

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Lily Jade Diaper Bags

When Meggan Wood's oldest daughter, Caroline, was born, Meggan found herself frustrated by the lack of beautiful, leather diaper bags. She wanted a bag that was stunning and hardworking, and one that would last long enough to still carry all those precious memories beyond the baby years. She sketched the perfect diaper bag design to her husband, Landon, and the rest is history! The real genius behind Meggan's idea is the "Baby Bag," a removable, washable organization insert included with every Lily Jade. This amazing engineering feat allows mommies to move from diaper duty, to meetings, to date nights. Lily Jade's most popular styles convert to backpacks with the flick of a clasp, and can be worn over the shoulder and crossbody as well. Lily Jade supports its rapidly growing community of moms with by encouraging them to tell their #storyofmotherhood and giving bags away as often as possible!

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Platypus Australia Swimwear

Platypus Australia is a leading Australian UPF50+ swimwear brand for children from babies through to size 14. Designed to mix-and-match, Platypus Australia is for little ones who like to be active, comfortable and stylish yet protected from the sun. But, just because these swimsuits for babies and kids come from the other side of the world doesn’t mean you can’t get them for your own little sun worshippers. Easy shipping is available to both the U.S. and Canada… and, it’s free if you spend over $80.

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gb Child Pockit Stroller

Designed for frequent travelers, the gb Child Pockit Stroller ($250)  in Monument Black quickly folds into an ultra-compact package, shaped like a handbag, for simple transport on airplanes and more. The stroller offers a self-standing folded option for added versatility when you and Baby are dining out. When in use, the Pockit offers a height-adjustable harness that is easy to tighten or loosen to secure your little one properly. Front swivel wheels make maneuvering simple and you can lock the tires for stability when strolling along uneven paths. Easily push your little bundle of joy with one hand in this compact stroller.

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STIYA Memory Keeping App

What’s the name of that lunch place? Where was that fun park? Ever wondered why you can search any data in the world except for your own memories? You had a fun day... how can you share the details with a friend?  Meet the newest app on the block, Stiya. Stiya stands for ‘Stories In Your Attic,’ bringing those precious ​stories from the attic of your memories into your to your pocket, making us all storytellers in a click. Stiya is a silent app that is completely private, capturing your memories and experiences — such as where you dined, walked, took a photo, and more — into beautiful journals that are searchable and, if desired, shareable via text, email, Facebook, or Twitter. We can’t wait to see where you’ve been making memories! (Note: Stiya currently only available via iTunes.)

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Ubbi Snack Tweats

The Ubbi Snack Tweat ($10 each) is an innovative snack container that combines playfulness and functionality making snack time enjoyable for both parents and children. Fitted for a small child’s hand, the bird shaped Ubbi Tweat stores and seals snacks to keep them fresh. Cleverly designed, the lid remains attached when open and the weighted base leans and wobbles to prevent the container from tipping over. The Tweat opening has a practical soft spill guard and is large enough for easy snack access.

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Enter to win the Summer Scoop grand prize!

One winner will receive all of the products in the #SummerScoop4Moms:

• BABYBJӦRN Baby Carrier One Outdoors in Turquoise or Black ($260 value)
• Babymoov Anti-UV Tent ($40 value)
• CYBEX Agis M-Air3/Aton 2 Travel System in Moon Dust ($600 value)
• Lily Jade Bag of Your Choice (Up to $375 value)
• Platypus Gift Certificate ($100 value)
• gb Child Pockit Stroller ($250 value)
• iPhone 6s from STIYA ($649 value)
• Ubbi Snack Tweat Collection ($50 value)

Total prize value: $2324

Please enter using the Gleam form below. You must be a U.S. resident and at least 18-years-old to enter and win. Winner will be contacted via email after the close of the giveaway. Please allow 4-6 weeks for prizes to arrive. All entries will be verified.

Summer Scoop

Disney Cars & Planes Easter Basket Gift Ideas

If you've got a preschooler or young kid that's into Disney's Cars or Planes, you are going to love this post. Mac is obsessed with Disney's Planes Fire & Rescue right now and we not only do we have to watch the show nearly every night before bed, we also have to listen to the AC/DC song "Thunderstruck" from the movie 9,000 times a day. I used to really like that song, but I'm so over it. Actually, tomorrow at nursery school he is the leader and gets to take a CD of his favorite song or nursery rhyme to school for show and tell...guess which song he picked? I'm a bit nervous about what his teachers are going to say about this one. 

Anyway, Easter is coming up and I thought it might be fun to put together a little virtual Easter basket filled with some fun Cars and Planes toys and goodies. We already have quite a few of these products, but we'll be adding a few more to our growing collection in a few weeks when the bunny makes his annual visit. If your bunny needs a little inspiration, send him our way.  

bowling set // t-shirts // chair // toy planes // Frank

backpack // slicker // matching game // band-aids // flatware // plate

train table // guitar // undies // boots

As I mentioned, we have a few of the items above already and have put them through the ringer. The matching game is a big hit with Mac, but Mim has taken a liking to eating the cards. We used the undies while we were potty training Mac last summer. He has the Dusty backpack, utensils and flatware, all of which we've gotten tons of use out of. But, the Delta Children's Club Chair is by far the most used and abused out of all of them. This little inflatable chair has been such a big hit. We usually keep it in the basement and the kids jump on it, roll over in it, wrestle on it and use it as a step-stool and trampoline. My kids are hard on toys and this chair has withstood so much wear and tear - it's shocking to find a product that can take a licking and keep on ticking these days. We love this one. 

Do you have a kid that loves Cars or Planes?

How many times have you had to listen to Thunderstruck?

* We received this Delta Children's Club Chair free in exchange for an honest review of the product. All opinions are 100% my own. This post does NOT contain any affiliate links, so feel free to click away (and if you want to mail me a check for $0.15 if you buy anything, I won't say no). 

Valentine's Day Sweets, Style and Crafts

Is anyone else in total shock that January just evaporated into thin air and here we are in February? I mean, wasn't Christmas just last week? I guess time must be flying because I'm having so much fun, right? Is that why I'm so damn tired? I guess having fun's not too horrible a problem to have, although it does tend to send me into full-blown panic mode when holidays, trips, events and birthdays sneak up on me before I'm fully ready. That's why I'd like to take a minute today and share some amazing Valentine's Day goodness with you. February automatically makes me think of Valentine's Day and there's still almost two weeks to go until the big day, so plenty of time to make the most of it and get your fill of everything heart-shaped and sweet. 

If you're anything like me, the first place to go for holiday inspiration is Pinterest. Some of my very favorite blogger friends and I got together for a Pinterest Party(!!) and created the ultimate Valentine's Day pinboard with ideas for everything related to this lovely holiday: kid crafts, printables, valentine cards, desserts, crafts, decor, cocktails, gifts, party ideas, games, recipes, activities, outfits and date night ideas! The board has over 2,500 pins, so whatever it is that you're looking for, we've got you covered! Feel free to check it out for inspiration. I've also put together a couple little round-up collages of my favorite pins in the following categories (I mean, who doesn't love a collage?): (1) Sweet Treats & Desserts; (2) DIY Crafts & Decor; and (3) Style and Outfit Inspiration. I hope this gets you in the holiday spirit and feeling the love!!

First up, Valentine's Day sweet treats, desserts and goodies! I am blown away by all the amazing sweet food and goodness associated with Valentine's Day! And here I was thinking that Easter had all the good candy and desserts. Here are a few of my favorites that we found...

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Next up is Valentine's Day inspired fashion and outfits. I'm a sucker for anything heart-shaped, pink or romantic. Most of these inspirational pins are for casual wear because (let's face it), who in the world can find a baby-sitter on Valentine's Day or wants to brave the crowds of love-struck couples in restaurants? Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, so here are some cute outfits you could rock all weekend long! Plus heart shoes...because I just couldn't not include heart shoes. 

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Last but not least, here's a round-up of some of my favorite Valentine's Day crafts and decor. Most of these are adult crafts (not necessarily kid stuff), but I'm sure the kids wouldn't mind helping out. Plus, a lot of these can be used year after year, or even the whole year long because they're so cute. I'm particularly obsessed with the flower chandelier (could be done just as easily with silk flowers) and the hanging hearts backdrop. I want to make both and put them in Mim's nursery. 

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Anyone else super excited for Valentine's Day?

My Favorite Podcasts

One of the best (only) things about having a commute to work everyday is getting a chance to discover and listen to some really amazing podcasts. Over the last couple years, I've almost completely eliminated music in my car and on my runs and have become obsessed with podcasts.  Whereas most people binge watch shows on Netflix, I binge listen to podcasts, starting from the beginning (sometimes years and years ago) and continuing through the present day. Some have been a complete waste of time and were deleted after only an episode or two and some have become such an obsession that I could talk about them for hours and hours over bottles of wine (yes, I think Adnan did it and I'd love to discuss why with you anytime!). Like my interests, my taste in podcasts range wildly, from true stories to paranormal fiction and from podcasts that discuss parenting strategies to those that discuss my favorite TV shows. I've put together a list of 35+ podcasts below, in a variety of categories that I promise you will enjoy! I'm sure there are plenty more that I'm forgetting or haven't yet discovered, so if you have a favorite, please leave it below! 

Parenting

Mom & Dad Are Fighting - Two producers at Slate (mom of 3 boys and dad of 2 girls) with two very different personalities and parenting styles discuss parenting hot topics, articles, issues and dilemmas. I think it's an honest account about how hard parenting can be and how difficult it is to balance work and family, with lots of great advice, recommendations and suggestions. 

The Longest Shortest Time - Started by host Hilary Frank right after her daughter was born when she was feeling incredibly isolated, lonely and overwhelmed by parenting a newborn. The early episodes deal mainly with the first year of parenting, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Later episodes touch on everything from your sex life to how to talk to your children about death.

Fiction/Scary Stories

Limetown - This is a mock investigative journalistic podcast about the disappearance of the entire population of a mysterious scientific-research town ten years ago. This podcast seems to be a bit of a throwback to the old radio dramas of the past, with an updated plot and effects. It will suck you in and you'll almost forget that you're listening to fiction - it feels so real.

Lore - A podcast all about the interesting and true history behind real-life scary stories. Definitely creepy, interesting and will give you chills. 

The Black Tapes - Another mock investigative podcast about getting to the truth behind hauntings, ghost stories and unsolved mysteries. This one literally gave me nightmares, but it's so good I can't stop listening to it. If you loved to be creeped out, this one is for you.

Chilling Tales - A new podcast (there are only 3 episodes so far) that combines story-telling with all the cool audio effects as a movie. Each episode has a full cast, sound effects, musical score and thrilling suspenseful stories.  

The Message - Another new podcast along the same mock investigative lines, where a journalist is trying to get to the bottom of a mysterious audio message that kills everyone that hears it. Not as well done or exciting as Limetown or the Black Tapes, but along the same style and level of supernatural mixed with reality.

The Leviathan Chronicles - A sci-fi audio drama - basically a book on tape with sound effects and a cast of characters. The story starts off really interesting and good and takes a weird alien-bent turn a few episodes in. Great if you love fantasy and science fiction. 

True Stories

This American Life - This is the podcast that started it all for me and is my (along with most people's) absolute favorite podcast. Each weekly episode contains a series of stories that all relate to an over-arching theme of the show. I look forward to this show every week - the stories are all so fascinating, funny, articulate and interesting. 

Radiolab - Each episode is a deep dive into a particular topic that goes farther than you'd expect the story to go. Incredible investigative journalism, riving stories and interesting topics on things you'd never expect to be all that fascinating sometimes. 

StartUp - Alex Bloomberg, formerly of Planet Money and This American Life, decides to quit his job and start this own podcast company. Season 1 of StartUp is all about how he made it happen - from finding a business partner, to pitching to investors, to naming the company and deciding what type of content they'd produce. A very interesting and honest look at how a start-up company is formed and all the decisions that go into it. Season 2 is dedicated to another start-up, a match-making dating company run by 2 women in NYC, trying to make a unique business model work.

The Memory Palace - Each episode of this podcast is a short and surprising historical story from the past. Episodes are usually less than 10 minutes long and are funny, heartbreaking, shocking, terrifying and fascinating. 

Death, Sex & Money - Podcast host Anna Sale interviews all kinds of people, from big-name celebrities (Brooke Shield, Ellen Burstyn, Jane Fonda) to everyday people about the hard topics surrounding death, sex and money (and everything in between). 

Mortified - A host of story-tellers, authors and comedians get up on stage and tell the most embarrassing stories of stuff they did and things that happened to them when they were younger. This podcast will definitely make you cringe, laugh and feel so much better about your own awkward past. 

The Moth - Real life stories, told by real life people, on a stage in front of a real life audience of strangers. Stories cover a variety of topics, issues and genres and can be funny, heart-wrenching, shocking, sad, romantic or all of the above. 

More Serial

Serial, Season 1 - If you have not heard about this podcast, then you've been living under a rock for the last two years. Season 1 of Serial is an investigate look into the disappearance/murder of a Baltimore teenage and the subsequent arrest, trial and conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Sayed. It will make you infuriated with the legal justice system, local law enforcement and Jay. 

Undisclosed - If Serial left a giant hole in your heart that needs filling with all things Adnan, then this is the podcast for you. Over 50 episodes that gets so far down into the mud and nitty gritty that you're mind will be blown and you'll be so overwhelmed you don't know what to do with yourself. It's 100% pro-Adnan, though, so consider yourself warned. 

Serial Serial - This is a much less biased group of Onion, Inc. staff writers that got together after each episode of Serial to discuss what happened. I listened to it in real time, as the episodes were being released and it gave me a much different view of the case and Adnan than Serial did. There's also a lot of discussion regarding Sarah Koenig's bias and journalistic style.

Crime Writers on Serial - True crime authors (and husband and wife), team up with other authors and journalists to discuss all things Serial, as well as other true crimes, books, articles, TV show, documentaries and a crime of the week. Very intelligent, well-researched and thoughtful podcast. 

Serial, Season 2 - The second season of Serial just started a few months ago and it tells the story of Bowe Bergdahl, the U.S. soldier who walked off his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was captured and held by the Taliban for nearly five years. Season 2 is very different than Season 1 and is receiving a lot of criticism already for a variety of topics, including the fact that the show's host doesn't conduct any of the interviews with Bergdahl. Definitely fascinating, but much slower and makes you feel less involved than Season 1. 

True Crime

Criminal - A fascinating look into how real life crime has affected people and the stories behind what really happened. Each episode has a narrative, lead by host Phoebe Judge, which explores all kinds of different crimes, the people that committed them and those wronged. 

Missing Maura Murry - If you love Serial, How to Make a Murderer and Unsolved Mysteries, you'll love this podcast. Two filmmakers are currently working on a documentary about the disappearance of 21 year old Maura Murry from 2004. The podcast was created to help shed some light on the topic and possibly gather additional sources and material for the documentary that weren't comfortable being on camera. It's a bit all over the place and raises way more questions than it answers, but it makes me excited for the documentary to come out.

What the Crime? - This podcast focuses on the weird, bizarre and baffling aspects of crime. There are only four episode so far, but each is stranger than the next and highlights just how crazy the world of crime can be. 

My Favorite Murder - Brand new podcast (only 2 episodes so far) where 2 hosts talk in-depth about their "favorite" murders, trials and crimes. Very dark humor and not for the faint of heart.  

Nerdy

Stuff You Should Know - The nerd in me love love loves this podcast. Hosts Josh and Chuck give great overviews and breakdowns on a variety of topics like HIV, Lizzie Borden, passports, maggots, hula hoops, alcoholism, cult deprograming, bats, volcanoes, base jumping, water slides, clowns, earwax, Stonehenge and everything in between. The geek in you will love it!

Stuff Mom Never Told You - Similar to the podcast above, but for the ladies and deals with "girl" issues, such as acne, lube, witchcraft, nipples, periods, bisexuality, baby weight and a million other things.

Invisibilia - A podcast that combines storytelling with scientific research and touches on all the invisible forces that control us, like thoughts, religion, emotions, ideas, beliefs and assumptions. Interesting stories and great topics. Plus, there's a dance party at the end of every episode. 

Surprisingly Awesome - New show from Gimlet Media (company from the StartUp podcast mentioned above) where hosts take a boring sounding topic and turn it into something that's surprisingly interesting and awesome. There are only 6 episodes so far, on topics such as mold, broccoli, concrete and free throws. 

Reply All - Another Gimlet Media show, this one about anything related to the internet. Incredibly well-done and always fascinating. I love this podcast and cannot get enough of the hosts. I wish there was a new episode every day.

99% Invisible - Host Roman Mars explores architecture and design in a completely fascinating and captivating way. He takes a usually very visual topic and talks about it with such passion and intensity that you can fully appreciate the subject matter without ever seeing a photo of it. 

Blogging

The Lively Show - Host (entrepreneur and blogger) Jess Lively interviews other big-name bloggers and self-starters about everything blogging from marketing to social media to branding (and a ton of non-blogging related topics such as relationships, motherhood, design, compassion, religion, etc.). Great for anyone with a blog, that's self-employed or in a creative industry. Guests include bloggers/authors/entrepreneurs such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Amber Housely, John and Sherry Petersik. 

Social Media Marketing Podcast - A podcast from the Social Media Examiner, all about social media outlets and how businesses, bloggers and individuals can make the most of them. I've learned so much about how to grow an Instagram following, the elusive Facebook algorithm, how to make the most of Pinterest and the most effective blogging tools and plugins. Great for anyone with a blog or online business.

Smart Passive Income - While I don't do any affiliate marketing or have any passive income streams on my blog, I think this podcast is really informative for anyone in the blogging community that wants to learn how to market themselves, create content, build trust with your audience, cultivate a social media following and get things done online. I find it really interesting and inspirational. 

The Fizzle Show - This one is pretty new to me, so I haven't had a chance to listen to many episodes, but so far I really like what I've heard. All about productivity, motivation, growing an audience, marketing, self-employment advice, work-life balance and all the modern online business stuff. 

Other

Call Your Girlfriend - Two long-distance best friends host a podcast that is basically just like listening to a phone call between two girls catching up. Smart, hilarious, silly, snarky and includes lots of wine and bitching about guys and periods. 

Gilmore Guys - If you like the show Gilmore Girls, you'll love the Gilmore Guys podcast. Hosted by two guys that are way more into the show than any two guys should ever possibly be. I love the show.  I love the guys. I love this podcast. Hilarious. See also: Return to Stars Hollow for even more Gilmore Girls discussion and analysis. 

Mystery Show - Funny and quirky (yet slightly annoying in an adorable kind of way) host Starlee Kine solves all those impossibly unsolvable mysteries that you cannot solve just by going online, such as how tall is Jake Gyllenhaal really, does Britney Spears read horrible novels and what ever happened to that video store in Tribeca?

Guys We F*@#*d - I almost didn't include this one because it's pretty offensive and crude at times, but it's a total guilty pleasure for me. Dubbed the "anti-slut-shaming" podcast, two NYC comediennes interview their ex-boyfriends and guys they effed about every raunchy thing you can imagine. Not for the faint of heart. 

What's your favorite podcast?